Belgian Bun Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious

Belgian buns are a delightful treat beloved for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, fruity filling topped with luscious icing. Traditionally made with eggs and dairy, these buns might seem off-limits for those following a vegan lifestyle, but fear not!

This vegan Belgian bun recipe proves that you can enjoy this classic pastry without compromising your dietary choices. It’s a perfect indulgence for breakfast, teatime, or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.

The dough is tender and slightly enriched with plant-based milk and vegan butter, while the filling bursts with zesty citrus and juicy sultanas. Finished with a smooth vegan icing and a sprinkle of colorful sugar, these buns are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through every step to create bakery-quality buns in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests with a homemade vegan treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Ready to bake some irresistible vegan Belgian buns? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Belgian bun recipe combines classic flavors with compassionate cooking. You’ll love how the dough becomes wonderfully soft and airy thanks to the right balance of yeast and plant-based fat.

The filling of zesty lemon curd and sultanas brings a perfect sweet-tart contrast in each bite.

Plus, baking these buns is a joy in itself – the kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma that makes waiting for them impossible. The icing glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a glossy finish that looks stunning.

Best of all, this recipe uses accessible vegan ingredients, making it easy to whip up anytime.

For a similar baking adventure, don’t miss our Magic Dough Recipe that’s perfect for a variety of pastries and breads.

Ingredients

• 500g strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 7g instant yeast (1 packet)
• 75g caster sugar
• 250ml warm plant-based milk (such as oat or almond)
• 75g vegan butter (softened, plus extra for greasing)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 150g sultanas
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 150g vegan lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
• For the icing:
• 150g icing sugar
• 2-3 tbsp lemon juice or plant-based milk
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts for decoration (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment for mixer
• Clean tea towel or plastic wrap
• Baking tray lined with parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or bench scraper
• Spoon or piping bag for the lemon curd filling
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for icing

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk and caster sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the surface and leave for 5-10 minutes until frothy and activated.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Add the strong white bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to bring the dough together.
3. Add vegan butter and vanilla: Incorporate the softened vegan butter and vanilla extract into the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or 6-7 minutes using the mixer until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First rise: Grease the bowl lightly with vegan butter, cover with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap, and leave the dough in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: While the dough rises, mix the sultanas with lemon zest and juice. If you want softer sultanas, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain well.
6. Shape the buns: Once risen, tip the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle approximately 30x40cm. Spread the vegan lemon curd evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the prepared sultanas and lemon zest.
7. Roll and cut: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 equal-sized buns.
8. Second rise: Place the buns cut-side up on a lined baking tray, spaced apart. Cover again and leave to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool and ice: Transfer buns to a cooling rack. Mix the icing sugar with lemon juice or plant-based milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled buns and decorate with sprinkles or crushed nuts, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For an even richer flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough.

If lemon curd isn’t your favorite, swap it for vegan raspberry jam or apricot preserves for a fruity twist.

Make these buns gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will be slightly different.

You can also experiment with different plant-based milks like soy, cashew, or coconut milk to subtly alter the flavor profile. If you want to make your own vegan lemon curd, check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe for inspiration on homemade citrusy spreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vegan Belgian buns slightly warm with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk latte or herbal tea. They make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or an afternoon snack.

For a decadent touch, pair them with some vegan cream cheese or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

They also freeze well—just thaw and warm them gently before serving. If you enjoy hearty vegan baking, you might also want to try our Marzipan Challah Recipe or our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for savory inspiration.

Conclusion

Making vegan Belgian buns at home is a rewarding experience that yields delicious, fluffy buns filled with zesty lemon and sweet sultanas. This recipe shows you how to achieve that perfect bakery-style texture and flavor without any animal products.

The combination of yeast-risen dough, tangy lemon curd, and glossy iced topping makes for a treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting sweet snack, these buns are versatile and satisfyingly delicious. Baking vegan treats like this is a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors while embracing plant-based living.

Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes on our site to keep your kitchen adventures fresh and delightful!

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